ALAN H. GARDINER - THe House of Life
THe House of Life
ALAN H. GARDINER
Description
House of Life: an institution little known in culture current of those interested in ancient Egypt. Yet, as we will see, was a foundation of extreme importance for the elaboration of various facets of the religious and magical culture of Egypt. According to existing documents, the House of Life already exists in the Old Kingdom in the 6th dynasty and lasts until the end of the Pharaonic civilization. The available sources are not very talkative about what was done in this laboratory and this is also understandable given its nature. The activities of the House of Life were varied. Theurgy was about i more secret and refined rituals that had to make the processes of the macrocosm functioned smoothly and extended theirs beneficial influence in society. The communion of the sovereign with the solar entities, as an intermediary of them, was the subject of rites and appropriate ceremonies. The defense of the King from enemies follows the same technique used against Ra and del Evil Apophis: in the "Book to Bring Down Apophis" are described by thread and by sign the ways of making images of the Evil One and the related deprecatory formulas. The staff of the House of Life also practiced natural magic intended to assist people in the various vicissitudes of life. Yes presumes that the consecration of amulets and magical texts also condoms took place in this place.